On August 14, 2025, the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) published its “In Memory” section, paying tribute to veterinarians who dedicated their lives to the care of animals and the advancement of veterinary medicine. Each obituary highlights the professional contributions, community involvement, and lasting impact of these remarkable individuals. Full obituaries are available on the AVMA website for those wishing to learn more about their lives and legacies.
Samuel Magill Hunter
Dr. Hunter (Missouri ’70), 78, Sikeston, Missouri – passed away on January 11, 2025. After graduating, he briefly practiced in Palmyra, Missouri, before founding North Ridge Veterinary Hospital, a mixed animal practice in Sikeston, with later expansions to New Madrid and Charleston. He retired in 2012.
Dr. Hunter was a past president of the Southeast Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and was active in his community, serving as past president of the Missouri Clean Water Commission and participating in the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce and Sikeston Rural Fire Protection District. Honors for his civic contributions included the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Man of the Year (2007) and the Sikeston Regional Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award (2021).
He is survived by his wife, Erica, three sons, a daughter, seven grandchildren, and three siblings. Memorial contributions may be made to:
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St. Francis Xavier School, 105 Stoddard St., Sikeston, MO 63801
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White House Jesuit Retreat, 7400 Christopher Drive, St. Louis, MO 63129
Danny G. Jennings
Dr. Jennings (Auburn ’73), 77, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee – passed away on July 21, 2025. He practiced veterinary medicine in Lawrenceburg for 52 years until his retirement in 2025.
He is survived by his wife, Jane, three daughters, a son, nine grandchildren, a brother, and a sister. Memorials may be made to:
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Heifer International, 1 World Ave., Little Rock, AR 72202
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Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104
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First United Methodist Church, 212 Waterloo St., Lawrenceburg, TN 38464
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John C. Campbell Folk School, One Folk School Road, Brasstown, NC 28902
George Albert (Bert) Mitchell
Dr. Mitchell (Guelph ’64), 89, Sarasota, Florida – passed away on June 7, 2025. After graduation, he spent 18 years at the Ralston Purina Company in St. Louis, starting as a diagnostic pathologist and later becoming director of research. He also served six years as director of Canada’s Bureau of Veterinary Drugs in Ottawa and later worked at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as director of surveillance and compliance.
Dr. Mitchell contributed to the AVMA as a member of the Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee (1997–2001) and was a past president of the American Association of Retired Veterinarians. He is survived by his wife, Linda Prowten, two sons, a stepson, a stepdaughter, three grandchildren, and a brother.
Sherwood L. Svarvari
Dr. Svarvari (Kansas State ’68), 81, Arcata, California – passed away on May 6, 2025. He founded the Sunny Brae Animal Clinic, where he practiced for over 40 years. Earlier in his career, he worked at Arcata Animal Hospital. Dr. Svarvari was actively involved in the California VMA (CVMA), serving on the Finance, Legislative, and Political Action committees, and was a past director of the California Veterinary Medical Foundation.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy, a son, two daughters, and six grandchildren. Memorial contributions, in his honor, may be made to:
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Woody Svarvari Memorial Fund via Humboldt Area Foundation, 363 Indianola Road, Bayside, CA 95524
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Trinity Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 230, Lake Norden, SD 57248
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Hamlin-Codington Regional Library Bookmobile, 3 8th Ave., Watertown, SD 57201
Jerome E. Zimka
Dr. Zimka (Illinois ’71), 80, Fort Pierce, Florida – passed away on May 29, 2025. He is survived by his family.
These tributes honor the dedication, compassion, and lasting contributions of veterinarians who enriched both the animal and human communities they served. Their legacies continue to inspire the veterinary profession.
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